Combined, these seven acts have received 375 CMA Awards nominations and won 94 times.

"These superstars have been an important part of our legacy and have contributed so much to our current success,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. "We are delighted they are going to be part of this important milestone anniversary."

Previously, Country Music Association board member and songwriter Shane McAnally told reporters at a No. 1 party celebration for Dierks Bentley that modern country music will take a backseat at the 2016 awards show. As he explains, instead of the artists performing their current hit singles, they will honor the history of the genre.

“Everybody has kind of taken their respective hats off of trying to promote something that’s happening right now,” McAnally says. “That doesn’t mean there won’t be some of that, but I think we’re definitely going to see a lot of throwback and I’m really excited about that.”

“I do know there’s going to be a lot of heritage artists, so you’re going to see a lot fewer current singles being pushed,” the songwriter adds.

Additionally, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood will pay tribute to country music's most popular duets at the 2016 CMA Awards. Brooks shared the news during a press conference in Dallas on Oct. 13 and said that he and Yearwood will sing a medley of hits during the ABC broadcast.